Tucson caregiver gets jail, probation for theft

TUCSON, Ariz. — A Tucson caregiver who stole and pawned 10 jewelry items
from one of her patients has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years’
probation.

Pima County prosecutors say 64-year-old Sylvia Cruz could have received up to
two years in prison Thursday. She pleaded guilty to theft and financial
exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

The Arizona Daily Star says Cruz must pay the victim
more than $3,600 in restitution for unrecovered jewelry.

An 86-year-old resident at The Fountains at La Cholla called the county
Sheriff’s Department last October to report several items of jewelry were
missing from her home. The woman says Cruz was the only caregiver who had
access.

Authorities discovered Cruz had pawned 102 items between January 2012 and
October 2012 for more than $17,000.